Just curious; why are you replacing the head studs in the first place?

Karl Wolz
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jay & Kim Schmidt 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Sunday, August 15, 1999 9:01 AM
  Subject: newbster

  Hi all,
      Vanagon newbie here. My 84 exhaust replacement(NO local shop would touch) will involve replacing the head studs. The real bear is removing the old crusty exhaust and breaking/drilling/tapping etc to prep the heads for new studs. Here are my Q's:
  1. Do the heads some off and out with the engine IN? I could do a great job if I had the heads on the bench! I'll probably botch something if I drill the heads while in the bus. I almost think it'd be worth dropping the whole motor if the heads alone dont come. I've done the drop on my 77 a couple times...looks~ similar. Opinions?
  2. Where can I order stainless studs and hardware from? Stud size?(if oversize not neccessary)
  3. I am just beginning to learn/read about head and head gasket woes on these beasts. Would it be recommended to replace the heads and/or gaskets if I pull them? (even with unknown bottom-end mileage/wear?)
  Thanks to all! I just got my first H20 van last week and I'll be much more *take* than *give* while I learn. Please bear with me. I'm excited to have my new exhaust (from BD) and have sprayed it with BBQ paint to hopefully avoid instarust! I hope to do this right! 
  Jay
  schmidt5@hsonline.net
  ...The bus came by and I got on. That's when it all began...

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